PHOTO: FILE
A real estate agent has faced criticism after posting a Facebook photo of a tent in a park, asking how people would ‘market’ it and adding laughing emojis.
On June 1, Tanya Ruggeri from Mackay, Queensland, shared photos of the tent on her Facebook account with the caption, “Tell me how you would market this!! Caption this below,” followed by three laughing emojis, which she later removed due to backlash.
While some commenters participated playfully, others were offended. One man remarked, “You being in real estate should know how hard families are doing.”
Tanya Ruggeri (pictured) has been a real estate agent in Mackay, Queensland for 23 years
Ms Ruggeri posted a series of photos of a tent to her Facebook page and asked people how they would ‘market’ it, adding several laughing emojis (the since-deleted post is pictured)
Tanya Ruggeri, a 23-year veteran in Mackay’s real estate scene, posted the series of tent photos with now-deleted laughing emojis.
Tents have become a common sight in Australian parks due to the housing crisis and soaring rents. Ms. Ruggeri told the Cairns Post that no one had been living in the tent.
Responding to criticism on Facebook, Ruggeri fired back, calling a critic an “insulting bully” and ‘liked’ a comment accusing the tent resident of not trying hard enough to find a home. The comment read, “Sorry but there’s plenty of work around and different types of accommodation. In the end, get a haircut and a real job.”
In further comments, Ruggeri emphasized her hard work and contributions to society, stating, “I work hard for my money. And never have I bludger off the Govt or lived for free off any Govt or council land.” She claimed she was highlighting the homelessness crisis, saying, “This homeless person needs shelter, food, and care! The community is aware, the more others take notice and help me help the homeless too.”
Ms Ruggeri (pictured) said she had been drawing attention to the homelessness crisis when she posted a photo of a tent and asked people how they would ‘market’ it
Ruggeri urged people to “read between the lines” before judging her, adding that she builds housing for the homeless annually and pays significant amounts in taxes and insurance.
Despite deleting the original post, screenshots remain on the Mackay Noticeboard Facebook page.
According to her website, Ruggeri has extensive experience in selling residential and business properties quickly and efficiently. Over the past 12 months, she has sold 10 properties with a median house price of $510,000, according to realestate.com.au.
SOURCE: THE DAILY MAIL